What is the Srimad Bhagavatam

22 Oct , 2014

Srimad-Bhagavatam, also known as the Bhagavat-Purana, is an epic philosophical and literary classic and holds a prominent position in India’s voluminous written wisdom. The Bhagavatam is the postgraduate, post-Vedic text of spiritual understanding. It has served as the inspiration for countless works of literature, song, drama, painting, and sculpture. Srimad-Bhagavatam, spoken shortly after Lord Krishna’s time on earth, is a treatise that explains the science of God in detail, including His creation, His eternal activities and the path to attain Him.

While the Vedas cover many subjects necessary for human civilization,Srimad-Bhagavatam is a purely transcendental literature whose purpose is to awaken our love for Krishna. Krishna is the substance or root of all categories, and since Srimad-Bhagavatam deals exclusively and exhaustively with God, one can know the substance of everything as well as the categories by reading this great book.

Vyasadeva compiled Srimad-Bhagavatam after Krishna left this world 5,000 years ago. The 18,000-verse treatise centers on the science of God and devotion to Him, and includes biographies of great devotees who followed the path of Bhakti and attained Krishna. It also describes the lives of some of His great devotees and how they lived a life of pleasing Lord Krsna inspite of having gone through various trials and tribulations.

The first verse of Srimad-Bhagavatam makes clear that the book is intended for people serious about spiritual progress; it will not deal with sectarian religious ideas, philosophical conjecture, or worldly concerns. The second text promises that anyone who reads the book systematically will achieve the spiritual success meant for all human beings.

Srila Prabhupada writes, “By sufficient hearing of Srimad-Bhagavatam, the polluted aim of life, trying to enjoy matter, will subside, and the people will be able to live a peaceful life of knowledge and happiness.” Patient, respectful, and submissive hearing of Srimad-Bhagavatam is a powerful force in awakening Bhakti.